To go calcium reactor or not?

gofor100 · Jul 22, 2011

I currently run a 2-part doser using LiterMeter III dosing pumps. I really can't complain other than the expense of buying 2-part on a regular basis.

Having said that though, I've been planning for a pretty large upgrade and plan on incorporating a calcium reactor, so I've done a lot of research on the topic before I take the plunge.

I think the key for those that go the calcium reactor route is to not skimp on the regulator. As someone suggested earlier, I've heard that the Aquarium Plants regulator is top-notch and haven't heard any complaints about it... set it and forget it. But then there's those that skimp on the regulator, and they have to "tinker" with it all of the time to keep it running smoothly.

Bottomline I guess is don't skimp...

Good luck!

-Chad

Aquaph8 · Jul 22, 2011

Well the guy sold the reactor. So Im gonna stick with my 2 part for now and if a good deal comes up, we'll see. For now I think Im gonna learn to use Kalk and work my way up to a reactor, my PH is always low so I think Kalk is gonna be in the mix regardless of the route I decide to go. Everyone please keep giving info on this thread for all to use, I think many have questions and fears when it comes to reactors.

Dez · Jul 22, 2011

I use a calcium reactor and I just tested my 3 main parameters (CA, Alk and Mg) last week. I haven't tested any of these parameters in over a year and I am not kidding. All 3 parameters were pretty much spot on. I have never dealt with 2 part. I love my reactor. I know you've made your decision already, but I thought I'd throw this out there.

Oh yeah, and I run a full sps system if that helps.

Aquaph8 · Jul 22, 2011

Dez said:
I use a calcium reactor and I just tested my 3 main parameters (CA, Alk and Mg) last week. I haven't tested any of these parameters in over a year and I am not kidding. All 3 parameters were pretty much spot on. I have never dealt with 2 part. I love my reactor. I know you've made your decision already, but I thought I'd throw this out there.

Oh yeah, and I run a full sps system if that helps.

Any recommendations on brands or any tips on use you can add?

Dez · Jul 23, 2011

Aquaph8 said:
Any recommendations on brands or any tips on use you can add?

I have never relied on a bubble counter. I let my controller do the work. If the PH for example goes about 6.8 in the reactor, the CO2 comes on and the bubbles are steady. If the PH in the reactor goes below 6.7, then the CO2 shuts off. This way you don't have to calibrate the effluent to the bubble count. I can adjust my effluent amount based on CA/Alk consumption. Once it's set, just forget. I use a cheap reef octopus dual chamber reactor. I picked it for the screw tops so it's easy to refill and clean. I used to have a Deltec, but it had a slight leak so I had to keep it in the sump and to refill media was a pain. I like the external reactor for ease of cleaning and refilling. I hope this helps. My system total volume is about 375 gallons.

Aquaph8 · Jul 23, 2011

Thanks Dez. Keep all the info coming guys.

gnoles · Jul 23, 2011

My experience has been along the same line as Dez. I don't test very often and I don't chase the numbers. I have a GEO with an aquarium plants regulator and love it.

That being said, my Apex keeps the numbers in line and as long as I keep everything calibrated and checked on I've had no problems. Had a couple of pH probes wear out and have used two reactors full of media (not a lot of demand in the tank yet other than montis that are trying to take over). Hoping to turn my dosing pumps into a water change system.

AZDesertRat · Jul 23, 2011

The best reactor you can buy is a Geo, www.geosreef.com . I would never go back to dosing after having a reactor, its almost set it and forget it for about 9 months at a time when I add more media and a bottle of Co2, its really that simple once set up correctly. Geo has good setup instructions on the site too.

Aquaph8 · Jul 23, 2011

Ive heard nothing but good things about the Geo reactors and the aquarium plants regulators. Thanks for the info guys. Anybody use any they dont recommend or would stay away from? What kind of media is everybody using? How much is it costing to refill Co2 bottles. I have an account at praxair, so it wouldn't be a problem but Ive never purchased Co2 though.

AZDesertRat · Jul 23, 2011

You will hear bad things about Milwaukee regulators but I have been using mine for 7 years with zero problems in that time so maybe its hit and miss?
I use Aqua Medic Hydrocarbonat medium sized media and Co2 is pretty inexpensive. I think I paid $15 the last time I had my 10 lb bottle filled and a little less for the 5 lb size.

gnoles · Jul 23, 2011

I'm lucky enough to have S&S Carbonic nearby. They supply a lot of business folks with CO2 and dry ice, so I went to the source.

I like the larger "reef bones" type media, I don't get as many clogs with it until it's time to refill.

nater · Jul 23, 2011

i run a geo 618 on my 90 gallon. thing is solid. i use a reef fanatic monitor and once it was dialed in , i really have to say they work well. i don't monitor my ph as of now, but on my new 220 i will. i love not having to dose , but i may switch back and just make my own cal , alk and mag solutions. not sure yet. i will be gearing mostly towards sps so my thoughts are i want to keep my ph higher. i might also try running a kalk stirrer along side of the reactor and see if it's suitable to my liking. both can have there advantages and disadvantages is what it seems to be.